Video
A Place for Curiosity
Have you ever wondered what an artist was thinking about when they created a work of art? Have you wondered about where they might be from or even how old they are? Have you ever...
WatchExperience Art on a New Level
Learn
The Art Center offers free educational resources for families, individuals, and educators. Explore artist talks, gallery guides, hands-on activities, and more.
Lectures + Videos
Video
Artist on Art: Chitra Ganesh on Leonor Fini’s “La Gardienne des Phoenix”
Former Associate Curator Jared Ledesma was struck by visual and thematic parallels between Chitra Ganesh’s work Urgency (2020) and a long-term loan to the Art Center, Leonor Fini’s La Gardienne des Phoenix (1952) and invited...
Watch
Video
Virtual Gallery Talk: Manos
Former Art Center Associate Curator Jared Ledesma reviews many the exhibition Manos: Selections of Latin American Art from the Des Moines Art Center’s Collection as well as a new addition to the collection, Hermano y...
Watch
Video
Justin Favela, Artist Lecture
Justin Favela shares significant touch points about his artistic motivations, influences, and explorations, ending in a description of his exhibition at the Des Moines Art Center, Justin Favela: Central American.
Watch
Video
In Conversation with Karla Black
This Artist Talk with Karla Black is a prelude to her exhibition Karla Black: 20 Years.
Watch
Video
Hedda Sterne Mini Lectures + Conversation
Shaina Larrivee, director of the The Hedda Sterne Foundation, Nathan Augustine, art collections manager at Deere & company, and Jared Ledesma, Art Center assistant curator, introduce one of the most fascinating artists of the twentieth century that you've likely never heard of - Hedda Sterne.
Watch
Video
Viewing Art With Essential Workers Episode 2
The Des Moines Art Center believes that access to art belongs to everyone, and that a simple conversation around works of art between two strangers is a perfect way to enjoy our shared humanity. Museum...
Watch
Video
Viewing Art with Essential Workers Ep. 1
Museum Educator Mia Farrell speaks with essential workers in our community to demonstrate the power and respite in experiencing art.
Watch
Video
Active Voice: Contemporary Art, Storytelling, and Advocacy
This program explores identity, activism, storytelling, and aesthetics in the work of contemporary Indigenous creators.
Watch
Video
Why Americans Should Unlearn Their History
In this lecture, Kevin Gover will talk about how this unique backdrop has played, and continues to play, a key role in how the museum defines its mission and vision in the 21st Century.
Watch